FW De Klerk is among the most polarising figures in South African politics, even as his powers continue to wane says ROB BOFFARD, who attended a gala dinner with the ex-President in London

FW De Klerk is among the most polarising figures in South African politics, even as his powers continue to wane. The former President and Deputy President is venerated for his role in the ending of apartheid – and vilified for the compromises he subsequently made. But even if, in 2010, he no longer wields serious influence in the corridors of power, he seems to have his head screwed on the right way.

He was in town last week thanks to the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants, the SA Business Club and Global South Africans, who put together this gala event. The goal was to raise money for charities, including De Klerk’s own foundation, and to provide a chance for the UK’s expat business community to meet, shake hands and work the room. The guestlist was deep and extensive, taking in sportsmen (Cobus Visagie) and business people (Avi Lasarow) although it was dominated by political figures like Xolani Xala, Zola Skweyiya, Peter Booth and Peter Hain.

And then of course, there was the man himself. Likening South Africa’s World Cup journey to the fairytale of Cinderella – including a rather bemusing comparison of Sepp Blatter to a fairy godmother – De Klerk managed to say all the expected things. The Media Tribunal and Protection of Information Bill are misguided and will fail. The new system of land ownership proposed by the ANC is an economic deadweight, one which threatens to send the government deficit skywards. The fairytale, he said, was over, and events following the departure of FIFA and the tourist trade had been lamentable.

There was a note of hope, however. One of South Africa’s strengths, he said, “has been its ability to manage large projects…we have a proven ability to compete with the best in the world, and will once again prove the pessimists wrong.”